– 2015

In the face of “come what may,” I know very few people who have as courageously pursued freedom like my friend Matt Bays.

-Jay Rouse, Vice President of Publishing PraiseGathering Music Group

Here is what I know:

1. There are people who fill our auditoriums and worship spaces each weekend who are on the brink of throwing it all away: divorce, addiction, or worse. They serve and love God, yet internally, they are losing the fight.

Matt Bays – weekend service at Northview Church, Carmel IN. Matt served as Worship Pastor at Northview for 9 years.

2. I have a knack for right-sizing their struggles by sharing my own story of abuse, addiction, and my personal journey toward recovery. I have learned how powerful a “Me Too” can actually be in the lives of others.

3. I’m great at sending people away with hope, knowing that whatever their secret or wound, they can move forward, be at peace, and allow their lives to be used for the glory of God.

I’m helping reconcile the toll this broken world has taken on us and the people who have been entrusted into our care, with a God who is sitting smack dab in the middle of our brokenness.

There’s a lot to my story – but in the end I believe you will see the power and raw authenticity of God’s redemption on display in a whole new light.

I would love to be invited to your weekend services, 12-step/recovery meeting, survivors of sexual abuse meeting, youth (Sr. High) or college group, etc. to share my story. It is my goal, via writing and speaking, to show those who are STUCK how to drag the baggage they carry and the lies they have believed into the light where Jesus can get his hands on them.

Here is what others have said:

“Matt Bays is one of the most authentic speakers I have ever heard in a church environment. Because he chooses to be transparent with his story, it opens the door for real conversation, real accountability, and real life answers.”

–Kurt Brodbeck

Family Ministry Pastor, Northview Church

I’ve been blessed to have worked alongside some of the biggest camps, conferences, festivals and churches in the country. One of the many perks my job brings is the opportunity to hear incredibly gifted communicators. Matt Bays is at the top of that list. I have seen Matt’s honesty, passion and love for others pierce the darkest of hearts by drawing them to the foot of our Savior’s cross. With concise words, thought provoking ideals, and excellence in communicating, Matt can command the attention of any audience. To this day, those in my ministry still reference the evening Matt shared his heart with us. Whoever coined the phrase ‘you could have heard a pin drop’ must have been sitting in on a Matt Bays’ message that night.

–Micah Beckwith, Founder of “Sing Love Worship”

& the Sing Love School of Worship.

“Matt Bays has a unique way of drawing in the listener. He is a master story-teller – weaving hope and laughter into even the heaviest of subject matter. He speaks out of his experience and communicates with unquestionable authenticity. His words are not only memorable but they will leave you absolutely captivated.”

-Andrea McCaffrey

Singer/Songwriter/Worship Leader

Matt’s message invites people to swiftly start examining the dark and hidden places of their own lives. He speaks of Christ’s redemption and reconciliation with a truthful, direct, and authentic heart. He is a hopeful voice and a good friend!